Tyneside is set to go music-mad this spring when one of the biggest festivals Newcastle and Gateshead have ever seen is staged.

Orange Evolution 2003, featuring a host of top names, will take place from April 24 to May 5 - culminating in a huge, free outdoor Quayside extravaganza.

Chart stars Moloko today confirmed they will headline the free party, at Baltic Square and Newcastle Quayside on the May 5 Bank Holiday.

It will mark the end of two weeks of top-notch musical events in a host of venues.

Evolution, which is being backed by the Chronicle, will boast an impressive line-up of international artists, outdoor events and cutting-edge music, with top bands and DJs appearing at major venues in Newcastle and Gateshead.

As well as Moloko, who had Top Five hits with Sing It Back and The Time is Now and this week entered the charts at Number 10 with Familiar Feeling, top international DJ Erik Morillo has announced he will take part in the festivities.

Shindig will host a massive dance party featuring Morillo at Baltic Square on the Gateshead Quays on Sunday, May 4. And legendary songwriter Howe Gelb and reggae legends The Pioneers will be jetting into Tyneside for one-off gigs.

Many more acts will be announced in the Chronicle in the coming weeks as well as full details of the May 5 free party, which thousands are expected to attend.

Festival co-ordinator Jim Mawdsley said: "We will be bringing some of the world's greatest artists to the region to chart the history of popular music.

"It will be the biggest music event ever held on Tyneside and a fantastic opportunity for Tyneside's population to celebrate the rich cultural vein that exists within Newcastle and Gateshead.

Evolution traces the development of today's music from its roots in folk, blues and country music to today's cutting-edge dance and rock.

And the all-day free party promises to be one of the biggest events ever to be held on the riverside.

Festival director Sue Wilkinson added: "Evolution will put the North East on the map for international musical excellence. The festival has something for everyone and the free events are bound to prove especially popular with music fans."

Evolution bosses are hoping to establish the festival as one of the UK's leading music events.